rhizoverbBeta
Dictionaryuntil
preposition / conjunction

until

Up to a particular time or event.

The library stays open until nine on weekday evenings.

Etymology
unOld Norseup to
+tilOld Norseto

The older components reinforce a limit reached. English until applies that limit especially to the time when a situation changes.

More examples

  • Please wait until I finish this call.
  • We have until Friday to submit the application.
  • The show doesn't start until the lights go down.

Similar words

till
Has the same meaning but often sounds less formal.
through
Includes the entire stated period, rather than stopping when it begins.